Increasing temperature due to global warming in the Himalayan regions has severe implications for the survival of aquatic ectotherms. To study the thermal acclimation and heat tolerance of an endangered Himalayan fish species, Tor putitora, we examined tissue-specific mRNA expression patterns of heat-shock proteins (HSP90β; HSP70, HSP60, HSP47, HSP30, and HSP20), warm-temperature acclimation proteins (WAP65-1) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B) genes in liver, brain, gill, kidney, muscle, and gonad tissues at the intervals of 10, 20, and 30 days during a high-temperature treatment (34.0 °C) for 30 days. All the tested genes have exhibited tissue-specific and time-dependent expression patterns. Heat shock proteins’ differential expression and modulation across examined tissues indicate their role in long-term cellular adaptation, protection against the cytotoxic effect of hyperthermia, and species acclimation to higher temperatures. WAP65-1 and CDKN1B expression in treatment groups suggests its involvement in maintaining homeostasis, long-term temperature acclimation, and thermotolerance during chronic thermal exposure. The response of studied genes under heat stress indicates their potential use as environmental stress biomarkers in this species. The present study elucidates molecular mechanisms regulating the thermal acclimation capacity and thermotolerance of T. putitora and its survival under future projections of widespread warming in the Himalayan region.

The Ranjit Sagar wetland, a critical aquatic ecosystem supporting diverse flora and fauna, has been the subject of investigation from January 2013 to January 2015. The study revealed the presence of 167 avian species across 19 orders and 52 families. Notably, areas with minimal disturbance within the wetland serve as key niches for a substantial avian population, encompassing 47.31% migrant and 52.69% resident species. Significantly, 10 Near Threatened species, alongside the Vulnerable Common Pochard Aythya ferina and the Endangered Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, underscore the wetland’s conservation value. Dominated by order Passeriformes (55 species), followed by Charadriiformes (29 species), and Anseriformes (20 species), the avian community exhibits varied feeding guilds, with insectivores (37.13%), omnivores (18.56%), aquatic animal feeders (16.16%), carnivores (14.97%), frugivores (5.39%), granivores (4.79%), and herbivores (3%) comprising its composition. This study elucidates the intricate avian ecosystem’s dynamics in Ranjit Sagar wetland, emphasizing its conservation significance and ecological structure, thereby contributing valuable insights for preservation and future research.

The present research was designed to determine the nutritive value of the liver and intestine of fish, Sperata seenghala, the impact of effluence load on limnological parameters of water and proximate composition of fish organs, especially on fatty acids, liver enzymatic activities, seasonal variations in the nutritional profile of fish, and to check and compare the pollution status of Ramsar sites in Punjab by calculating the water quality index, heavy metal pollution index, and metal index from June 2018 to August 2020. WQI of Harike wetland was found to be 53.95, which depicts that water quality in this region is "poor". At Nangal wetland, water quality index was reported to be "excellent" quality water and fit for the whole ecological unit. Overall heavy metal pollution index for Harike wetland was reported 174.569, whereas for Nangal wetland it was 5.994, depicting massive contaminant loads in a polluted region. MI value was also recorded as being higher (6.9336) in polluted habitat than in control habitat (0.8175). In fish liver, significant (p < 0.05) higher mean total lipids (6.73%), total proteins (3.98%), moisture (77.69%), ash (3.56%), and carbohydrates (3.79%) were observed in the samples from Nangal wetland than Harike wetland. A similar trend was reported in all biochemical contents of the fish intestine. Enzyme activities such as aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the specimens collected from the polluted region. The mean total n-3 (except in spring), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (except in winter), and average monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids diminished significantly (p < 0.05) in the liver of fish from contaminated habitat than control site. In the intestine of fish collected from the polluted region, significant reductions in the mean total n-3 (except in autumn as well as summer), total n-6 PUFAs (in autumn and winter), and total SFAs were reported than control site.

The documentation of avifauna of Harike wetland was carried out during November, 2019 to November, 2021 in different habitats and seasons. A total of 225 bird species belonging to 18 orders and 61 families were recorded; 18 fall under the Red List of IUCN, with 11 categorized as Near Threatened, six vulnerable, and one Endangered. Order Passeriformes had the greatest number of species, and mosaic habitats with diverse vegetation showed the highest bird diversity. This study will aid future conservation measures and wetland management programs.

Catla catla (Hamilton) is one of the fastest growing Indian major carps (IMCs) with increasing market demand. Consistent demand and exploitation invites the attention of ichthyologists for its conservation strategies. Age and growth studies play a pivotal role for managing the fishery stocks in different water bodies. Here, we studied the age and growth patterns using opercula of both farm grown as well as the wild grown C. catla adopting standard methodologies. Wild specimens were caught from Harike wetland (Ramsar site) and the cultivated one from a farm at Dhudike in Punjab. High value of correlation coefficient 'r' 0.976 (wetland) and 0.983 (farm) reveals the strong relationship in total length and operculum radius of the fish. C. catla achieved average total length from wetland and farm, respectively at 1st (273.44 mm) 2nd (427.44 mm) 3rd (525.49 mm) 4th (624.52 mm) 5th (744.98 mm) 6th (813.62 mm) and 1st (282.1 mm) 2nd(463 mm) 3rd (601.7 mm) year of age of opercular bones study. The growth parameters such as, index of species average size (phi h) 135.6 (wetland) and 200.6 (farm), growth constant (C-lt) showed two growth phases from both localities i.e. sexual immaturity up to 2 years and sexual maturity afterwards. Whereas, growth characteristic (C-th) has revealed irregular growth pattern at wetland in comparison to growth of fish from farm. The results of this study concluded that the fish experienced more growth from the farm due to better and controlled conditions but, in wetland surrounding conditions were observed to be unfavourable for survival of the fish C. catla.

Anthropogenic threats to wetland ecosystems, including discharge of industrial effluents, municipal sewerage, land reclamation, erosion and deforestation, have contributed to the rapid declines in populations of many bird species. The present study aimed to document avian diversity, including birds on the IUCN Red List, at Nangal Wetland, Punjab from February 2013 to January 2015. A total of 155 species belonging to 48 families (resident and migratory) under 17 orders were recorded, of which 13 come under various IUCN Red List categories: one ‘Endangered’—Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus; five ‘Vulnerable’—Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Greater-Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, Sarus Crane Grus antigone, Lesser White-Fronted Goose Anser erythropus, and Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus; and seven ‘Near Threatened’—Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii, Indian River Tern Sterna aurantia, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata, and Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria. The Shannon-Weaver index of diversity was highest during winter (H’= 1.9) followed by autumn (H’= 1.9) then spring (H’= 1.5), and was lowest during summer (H’= 1.4). Though this wetland is highly productive and provides homes to many threatened species, untreated industrial effluents from adjoining areas sometimes create problems. The discharge of pollutants should be stopped through strict enforcement of environmental laws and policies.

Study on water quality parameters of Harike Wetland, Punjab was conducted from June 2018 to August 2019 at three representative sites: Site 1, Site 2, Site 3 and mean value was calculated. The study period was divided into various seasons: Rainy (June to August), Autumn (September to November), Winter (December to February), Spring (March to Mid April) and Summer (Mid April to end June). The different water quality parameters include: water temperature, pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, nitrates and phosphates. The average values of all parameters were compared with ISI, ICMR and WHO standards for drinking water quality. Correlation coefficient between various physico-chemical parameters was recorded using Pearson Correlation analysis. High Impact of pollution load from various sources on seasonal variations and water quality parameters were observed especially on pH, nitrates and phosphates. pH showed significant negative correlation with all other water quality parameters except phosphates. However, water temperature (except DO), alkalinity, TDS and nitrates represented significant positive correlation with all other physico-chemical parameters. The water quality values were observed to be 53.56 thus, it can be concluded that overall water quality at Harike wetland is “Poor” due to human activities and pollution load (industrial effluents) which affect its quality and quantity. The inadequate availability of freshwater resources can pose serious threat to aquatic biodiversity and render its unfit for human consumption.

In this contemporary era, wetlands and the entire aquatic diversity are suffering from major pollution problem. Not only the aggregation of higher population in metropolitan causes the production of plenty of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes, but also the high-technological industries contribute to a mammoth of wastes in the ecosystem. During the process of industrial effluent discharge into the water bodies, the toxic substances available in these wastes can affect the aquatic flora and fauna, resultantly disturbing the entire system and constituting human health hazards indirectly or directly. The objective of this study was to estimate the nutritional value of the liver and intestine of fish which is being discarded as waste during fish processing and pollution status by calculated water quality index (WQI) and comparison of both wetlands during diverse seasons. WQI ofHarike Wetland was observed to be 56.68 which indicates that water quality in this wetland is "poor", while at Nangal WetlandWQI was calculated to be 39.54 and comes under "good" water quality and safe for the entire ecosystem. HPI (heavy metal pollution index) for Harike Wetland was observed 144.9 and for Nangal Wetland was 3.12, indicating heavy load of heavy metal pollution at test sample site. MI (metal index) value was also detected higher at test sample site (4.76) as compared to that at control site (0.22). The mean total n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) declined in the liver of test fish samples (Harike Wetland) as compared to control fish (Nangal Wetland) samples except in winter season. Similarly, mean total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were also found to decline significantly (p<0.05) in the liver of test fish sample as compared to control fish sample during autumn and winter seasons. Significant (p<0.05) decline of mean total n-3 PUFAs (except winter) and total n-6 PUFAs (except rainy) in the intestine of test fish sample was observed during all the seasons when compared to control fish samples. However, total SFAs were found to increase in the intestine of test fish samples as compared to control fish samples during all the studied seasons. In the present investigation, fluctuations recorded in the water quality parameters and major groups of FAs in the tissues were due to the geographical location and pollution load in the fish samples taken from Harike Wetland.

From the beginning of civilization, humans have had an important relation with water bodies. Most of the cities are situated around water bodies whether, a lake, river or an ocean. Even villages are established around ponds to meet the daily needs of humans. One-thousand-three-hundredand-forty (1340) bird species are reported in India, out of which 310 species are known to depend on different water bodies (Kumar & Gupta 2009). From last few years, local people use ponds for the production of Water Chestnut Trapa natans commonly known as Singhara. Ponds, whether natural or manmade, sustain their ecological properties and these are hubs of biodiversity (Karakaş 2017). Wetland birds assemble at these sites due to plenty of food and habitat accessibility (Paracuellos 2006; Cereghino et al. 2014). Ponds also channelize the migratory birds from one place to another as flock of birds use these ponds as stopover and refueling destinations for few days during their migration before moving towards their final destination (Hassall 2014). Most of the earlier studies in Punjab mainly focuses on avian diversity of the wetlands (Bal & Dua 2010) but with this study authors acknowledge the importance of village ponds in context to avian diversity.

Lead contaminates aquatic ecosystems and causes deleterious effects on aquatic organisms, particularly fishes, and percolates to human beings through food chain as accumulated residue. In this context, we conducted histological studies on impact of lead toxicity in Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), a common freshwater fish consumed by humans, exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of lead nitrate. Previously, we observed damage in the gills using light microscope, and now we studied ultrastructural alterations at cellular level in the gills using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The gill tissues were dissected after 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of exposure, washed, fixed in Karnovsky's fixative, and processed further for histological investigation. Normal cellular architecture was noticed in the control group while, whereas large number of alterations could be observed in different organelles in the cells of the lead nitrate treated groups. The severity of the lesions was proportional to the increased concentration of the tested pollutant in a time dependent manner.

Fish production and fish processing waste have straight connection. In India, the waste produced during the processing of fish is predicted to be approximate 3.6 million metric tonnes, 48 per cent of the total body weight of Indian and exotic major carps is thrown away as waste (non-edible ). The present research, it was conducted to compare the total lipid content (TLC) and fatty acid composition from the liver of captured and cultured fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) having weight more than 500 gram during different months as well as to evaluate its nutritional quality. Maximum total lipid content (33.33±0.14%) was found in the liver of cultured fish in May month, while the minimum (15.26±0.24%) was in the liver of captured fish in the month of January. During the study, total lipid content was found to be considerably elevated in cultured than captured Fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton). The amount of three major groups of fatty acids namely polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids was found to be maximum in captured fish during the month of March 97.19±0.96%, 61.30±0.56% and 95.39±0.31% month of April respectively. Total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed to be highest (21.95±8.05%) in the waste of liver in cultured fish during the month of March. Hence, it is concluded that the processing waste (liver) of the captured and cultured, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) is a prosperous resource of the essential fatty acids i.e. PUFAs and total lipids. Further, it is observed that captured species are rich in fatty acid composition as compared to cultured species. Food industries can manufacture by-products from these high nutritional value contents of waste for human utilization. EPA and DHA also reduce the risk of various life threatening diseases.

Through anthropogenic activities such as dam building, river management works, indirectly through developments and disturbances in the landscape of the watersheds in particular effluent discharges and deforestation increasingly threatened the environmental integrity of freshwaters systems, world wide. In order to access the monthly and seasonally variations of “Ropar Weland”, study on various physio - chemical parameters was carried out from October 2015 to September 2017 at four representative sites (S1, S2, S3 and S4). The seasons were generally divided into winter (December to February), summer (March to May), monsoon (June to August) and autumn (September to November). Maximum amount of all the parameters except DO and free CO2 were observed in summer and monsoon season and minimum in winter season. Minimum value of DO and free CO2 during summer season is due to the higher temperature because temperature is inversely proportional to DO. Rest of the parameters such as phosphate, sulphate, magnesium, calcium were widely fluctuated according to seasons and are under permissible limits.

Teleosts are the largest class of bony fishes and account for more than 90% of fish species. Their reproductive systems are the key feature to adopt gradual evolutionary change under aquatic environmental conditions. Aquatic ecosystems are faced with a serious threat to their proliferation due to the discharge of untreated industrial effluents into them. Here, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the damaged ovaries of the freshwater fish Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton-Buchanan), due to their exposure to different heavy metals in the polluted waters of Harike Wetland in Punjab, India. Deformed oocytes with rough and distorted surfaces were observed in SEM. Microscopic analysis showed that environmental pollution caused by municipal effluents had damaged the microstructural surface on the fish ovaries. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also showed damage of the microstructural surface and an abnormal deposition of heavy metals. The alterations in the reproductive system of the fish appeared to be the most responsive and a reliable indicator of environmental pollution, which indicates their significance in aquatic biomonitoring systems. This is the first report in North India showing tissue level markers in biomonitoring programs using the ovary of Labeo rohita as the model system. Microscopic analysis showed that environmental pollution caused by municipal effluents damaged the microstructural surface of the fish ovaries.

Polluted water not only affects the life of present generation but it also affect the life of upcoming generations because its effect remains for long. The aim of the present investigation was to study the pollution bioindicators of the River Ghaggar with special reference to phytoplankton.The study of the plankton with reference to the pollution bioindicators species and variations revealed that they could indicate the water quality.Phytoplankton population was composed of 4 major groups of algae namely Cyanophyceae (blue green algae), Chlorophyceae (green algae), Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) and Euglenophyceae in water ecosystem. At both the sites (S1, S2) a total of 35 genera of phytoplankton were recorded belonging to 4 major classes. Among these Bacillariophyceae with 20 genera were found to be dominant followed by Chlorophyceae with 7 genera, Cyanophyceae with 4 genera and Euglenophyceae with 3 genera during the study period. The study also shows that the species like Nitzschia palea, Synedra ulna, Euglena acus, Fragilaria sp., Oscillatoria sp., Gomphonema sp. Meridion sp., was present throughout the study period and they are the indicator of bad water quality. Phytoplankton population showed high diversity in the summer and low in monsoon period. Various diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson’s diversity index and Pielou evenness index) were used to found the seasonal variation of phytoplankton. The Shannon- Wiener diversity index was most useful in indicating the trophic status of the water as well as the pollution status, which in this case, depicted a moderate level of pollution in River.

Wetlands are considered as important ecosystems on this earth because they provide refuge and food to variety of aquatic biodiversity. Spatial heterogeneity of the phytoplankton community and seasonal diversity has been observed. Sampling of phytoplankton was carried out from the Ropar wetland, of Punjab, India between October 2015 to September 2017 at four representative sites (S1, S2, S3 and S4). Correlation of physico-chemical variables with phytoplankton density was recorded by using Pearson Correlation analysis and seasonal variation as well as a high influence of these physico-chemical parameters was observed on phytoplankton productivity. It has been observed that when temperature and amount of nutrients were higher, the density of phytoplankton was higher. The phytoplankton diversity showed higher sensitivity in the water, the dissolved oxygen and free CO2 showed significant negative correlation with all the physio-chemical parameters at all the sites. A total of 28 phytoplankton genera belonging to Bacillariophyceae (14 genera) Chlorophyceae (9 genera), Cyanophyceae (4 genera) and Dinophyceae (1 genus) were recorded from four sampling sites. Bacillariophyceae dominated both in diversity and percentage composition while Dinophyceae had shown least expression. Phytoplankton population showed high diversity in the summer and low in monsoon period. Various diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson’s diversity index and Pielou evenness index) were used to found the seasonal variation of phytoplankton. The Shannon- Wiener diversity index was most useful in indicating the trophic status of the water as well as the pollution status, which in this case, depicted a moderate level of pollution in this wetland.

By means of providing food and habitat for aquatic organisms including the threatened as well as endangered species, wetlands serve as earth's most important fresh water resource. As a good wetland is determined by its water quality, it is exigent to maintain the proper water quality of a wetland as the water quality of the fresh water resources is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Due to the contaminated water quality, human population also gets affected as they suffer from many waterborn diseases due to its usage, some of which may prove fatal. Therefore, it has become imperative to check the quality of water bodies at regular intervals for their sustainable management. In order to access the water quality, various physio-chemical parameters were carried out from October 2015 to September 2017 at four representative sites (S1, S2, S3 and S4). During the present study, it was found that various physico-chemical parameters greatly influence the water quality of the under study wetland. The average results of these parameters were compared with ISI, ICMR and WHO standards for drinking water quality. It could be inferred that water quality at Ropar wetland is "Poor" at S2 site and S4 site and "Very Poor" at S1 site and S3 site. DO and Free CO2 showed significant negative correlation with all other physico-chemical parameters at all the above mentioned sites.

The present study reveals the diversity, abundance and composition of zooplankton in Ropar wetland. A total of 17 genera of zooplankton population were recorded and categorized into 5 different groups, i.e. Protozoa, Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda and Ostracoda at all the sites (S1, S2, S3 and S4) from October 2015 to September 2017. Among these, Protozoa and Rotifera were the dominant groups consisting of 6 genera each. Of all the seasons, summer season depicted the highest density of zooplankton at all the sites and lowest diversity during monsoon season. The diversity indices were observed to be maximum at S2 and S4 sites as compared to S1 and S3 sites indicating that the wetland is moderately polluted as the values of Shannon-Weaver diversity index for zooplankton are above two in different seasons. This signifies that this wetland receives pollution from various sources, but still has low impact. The correlation of zooplankton population has also been studied with different pyhsico-chemical parameters, which showed a negative correlation with dissolved oxygen (DO) and free CO2 at all the sites and also with total dissolved solids (TDS) at S3 site. Nat. Env. & Poll. Tech. Website: www.neptjournal.com Received: 01-10-2018 Accepted: 09-12-2018

Diversity of fishes was evaluated at the Ranjit Sager Wetland and its three adjoining streams. Factors like altitude, bed gradient, dominated substratum and habitat types of the streams have also been studied. These streams fall under Type-B category on the basis of habitat variability, gradient and sinuosity. 43 fish species represented by 6 orders have been reported from the study area. Out of all 43 fish species, 13 come under threatened categories of Red List of IUCN, out of which 2, 3 and 8 come under Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU) and Low Risk near threatened category (LRnt) respectively. It has been analyzed from the above pattern that maximum fish species reported from this wetland have fallen under different threatened categories.